William H. Seward to Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, August 22, 1865

Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 19th instant, informing me “that her Majesty’s government understand that the notice abrogating the agreement contained in the convention of 1817, limiting naval armaments on the lakes, is absolutely witdrawn, and that the convention of 1817 will continue in force unless it should be hereafter terminated by a fresh six months’ notice, to be given by either of the parties thereto.”

In reply, I have the honor to inform you that the statement of her Majesty’s government is accepted as a correct interpretation of the intention in this matter of the government of the United States.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,